Basics of Sex Addiction

Sex Addiction Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Sex Addiction

Sexual addiction can be difficult to diagnose. The condition usually is diagnosed by a mental health provider (e.g., psychiatrists, psychologists, psychotherapists) who specializes in sexual behavior disorders. To diagnose sex addiction, health care providers evaluate the overall physical, mental, and emotional health of the patient.

Sexual addiction diagnosis often involves taking a personal history (including information about past and current medical conditions and drug and alcohol use), conducting a thorough psychological evaluation, and performing a physical examination. Information about the patient's sexual thoughts and behaviors and about the effects of these activities on his or her life (e.g., marriage, family life, job performance, friendships) also may be used to help diagnose sex addiction.

Types of questions that a health care provider might ask to determine if a patient is addicted to sex include the following:

Do you have difficulty controlling sexual thoughts and/or behavior?

Do sexual thoughts and/or behavior make it difficult for you to maintain healthy relationships or keep a job?

Do you experience feelings of guilt or shame as the result of sexual behavior?

Do you regularly seek anonymous sex partners?

Do you have difficulty forming emotional bonds (intimate relationships) with sexual partners?